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Civil & Structural Forensic Engineering Services
When a building, roof, bridge, process plant, grain elevator, sewer, drilling rig, or other structure fails, McDowell Owens experts are here to examine, evaluate, investigate, and find answers.
McDowell Owens investigates civil and structural incidents and explains what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future. We dive deep in evaluating the design, materials, and methods that were employed in the construction of a structure to determine the loading and stability factors that contributed to the loss.
McDowell Owens Civil & Structural Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased civil and structural forensic engineering, and failure analysis services.
As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in forensic structural investigation.
When we investigate a structural failure in a forensic investigation, we seek answers to:
- How and why did the structure fail?
- Were there indications that a failure was pending?
- If so, for what period of time were those indications apparent?
- Ultimately, who was responsible?
Civil & Structural Expertise
At McDowell Owens, we have decades of experience, industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We will identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate, then produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.
McDowell Owens civil & structural experts have experience in:
- Roof Analysis
- Stress Analysis
- Foundations
- Structural Failure
- Post-Damage Structural Analysis
Our experts investigate the site, evaluate the design, materials, and methods employed in the construction, determine loading and stability factors that may have contributed to the loss, and reach an unbiased conclusion. We understand that every incident is unique, and we work to avoid the expectation bias trap.
We have investigated:
- Structural Collapse
- Fire and Explosion Damage
- Water Damage
- Construction Defects
- Tree Impacts
- Snow and Ice
- Lightning Strikes
- Vehicle Impacts
- Wind
- Climate Change
- Construction Ground Vibration
- Material and Foundation Related Failures
- Structural Collapse
- Fire and Explosion Damage
- Water Damage
Our Civil & Structural Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a variety of civil and structural forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
Forensic investigation is vital to pre-trial discovery and it’s critical to obtain data and support during the process. McDowell Owens teams are experts at conducting civil & structural forensic investigations. We combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough, comprehensive, and understandable report and testimony.
McDowell Owens structural forensic experts are experienced professionals in the field, combining real-world expertise with advanced degrees and certifications in various sub-disciplines. Our team stays up-to-date with industry changes and continuously enhances their skills through research and testing.
McDowell Owens forensic consulting professionals offer valuable insight and dedicated expertise on your civil and structural forensic case through thorough analysis and research.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Civil & Structural Forensics
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Root Cause Analysis Forensic Scientists
The forensic engineer’s mission is to investigate, solve, and explain the most challenging engineering and scientific problems. Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles and science in investigating the failure of a machine, component, material, structure, system, and more.
While it is easiest to think of our process as ‘reverse engineering’ – using scientific methodology to uncover why something went wrong or stopped working – it is more accurate to say we conduct a root cause analysis.
The Basics of Root Cause Analysis
Root cause analysis is an in-depth investigation of all the potential causes of an incident. When we conduct a root cause analysis, we start with one question: “What step out of the sequence of events would have prevented the incident from occurring if removed?”
This involves gathering extensive data about each potential cause, then evaluating that data to determine which cause would have stopped the incident from occurring.
The Steps of a Root Cause Analysis
While the process of conducting an analysis may differ from case to case depending on the unique circumstances of the situation, every root cause analysis follows these steps:
1. Define the Problem
Defining the problem is not as simple or obvious as it may seem, as it is not uncommon to begin the investigation only to realize that the problem lies in another area. It is crucial, then, to approach every issue with an open mind while laying aside all expectation and confirmation biases.
2. Gather Data
Gathering data means collecting every piece of available information possible. This goes far beyond reviewing raw data, conducting tests, and shifting through evidence, and extends to comprehensive interviews with everyone involved.
3. Find the Cause(s)
After thoroughly defining the problem and reviewing every possible data source, the cause(s) should be evident. They may be technical, human, procedural, or a combination of two or more.
4. Find Solutions
Knowing what caused the event is good for peace of mind and liability issues, but it is not enough in root cause analysis. It is critical to seek solutions, which are classified as corrective (short-term or stop-gap solutions that address the direct cause of the issue) or preventive (long-term resolutions that targets the root cause and prevents it in the future).
5. Develop Strategies to Correct/Prevent
Once the solutions have been identified, it’s time to work with our clients to develop a strategy to prevent the problem from occurring again.
The McDowell Owens Difference
McDowell Owens has extensive resources that allow us to provide a custom forensic solution for every assignment. We are uniquely qualified to conduct root cause analysis for incidents where injury or property damage have occurred, such as:
- Building Collapse
- Sprinkler Failure
- Machine Malfunction
- Fires and Explosion
- Construction Defects
- Electrical Failure
- Materials Failure
- Structural
- Product Defect
- Collisions and Crashes
- Marine Incidents
- Energy and Renewable System Failure
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- Building Collapse
- Sprinkler Failure
- Machine Malfunction
We evaluate the available evidence and apply scientific methods, specialized knowledge, and the latest analytical technologies to reach scientifically sound opinions and solutions for our clients.
When performing forensic analysis, our team thoroughly investigates the issues – from taking data at the scene to analyzing drawings, material specifications, supporting documentation, and conducting tests. We produce reports that are clear, concise, and accurate.
About McDowell Owens
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased forensic engineering and analysis services. Over the decades, we have worked with private and public sector clients in the legal, oil and gas, insurance, electrical, and petrochemical industries, among others.
As established leaders in the field, McDowell Owens professional engineers, fire scientists, and consultants are experts in forensic failure analysis. Our clients rely on us to conduct thorough investigations to produce an accurate analysis in the wake of any incident or disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Cause Analysis
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Marine Forensic Engineering Services
From the time cargo is loaded until it reaches its destination, both the cargo and the vessel are subject to peril. Nature, human error, and mechanical failures are dangers that are magnified by the very process of sailing from shore.
Sinkings, fires, accidents, and other incidents involving marine vessels, piers, and facilities occur regularly due to nature, human error, and mechanical failures. Whether it's a natural catastrophe or a collision between two vessels, we are here to help.
McDowell Owens investigates marine incidents and explains what happened, how it occurred, and how to avoid the same issues in the future.
McDowell Owens and Marine Forensic Investigation
McDowell Owens Engineering, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, nationwide forensic engineering firm. Since 1986, we have provided comprehensive, unbiased marine forensic engineering and failure analysis services.
As established leaders in forensics, McDowell Owens professional engineers, scientists, and consultants are experts in marine accidents and losses.
Marine Expertise
Our team of forensic engineers and investigators specialize in evaluating a wide array of maritime incidents such as fires, equipment failures, on-board accidents, sinkings, capsizes, groundings, and damage to piers and wharves.
Our teams at McDowell Owens have decades of industry-based knowledge, project management skills, and analysis experience. We can identify the cause and sequence of damage to the attributable loss estimate and produce reports that are detailed, clear, and understandable.
McDowell Owens experts have experience spanning from ocean-going vessels and offshore platforms to ‘brown water’ vessels on inland waterways to recreational vessels and yachts. We have been involved in forensic investigations including:
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- Shipboard Fires and Explosions
- Personal Watercraft Injuries
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- Fuel System Defect Analysis
- Marine Loss Analysis
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- Marine Facilities Damage
- Hull and Deck Equipment
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- Marine Accident Investigation
- Hull, Deck, and, Rigging Failures
- Crewman, Longshoreman, and Stevedore Injuries
- Container and Bulk Cargo Vessel Accidents
- Shipboard Fires and Explosions
- Personal Watercraft Injuries
- Operator Error Determination
Commercial Ship Accident Analysis
Allianz’ Safety & Shipping Review estimates that between 75-96% of all marine accidents can be attributed in some way to human error. Those accidents mean billions of dollars in unnecessary costs, needless crew injuries, and avoidable loss of life. Commercial ship accidents are serious and frequently have impacts felt across industries and around the world, which then requires careful, in-depth analysis and clear and precise reporting.
McDowell Owens draws on our in-depth knowledge of physics, hydraulics, ocean conditions, and ship response behavior in our investigations. Our team of forensic engineers and investigators dig deep to produce accurate reconstructions of the incident, provide detailed insights into every factor and condition that led to the incident, and explain how those conditions resulted in damage, injury, or loss of life.
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- Cargo Claims
- Vessel Hull and Machinery
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- Equipment Loss Mitigation
- Equipment Loss Mitigation
- Vessel Marine Casualties or Accidents
- Vital System Automation
- Cargo Claims
- Vessel Hull and Machinery
- Vessel Pollution
Large Scale Forensic Investigation
Our experts can perform large-scale examinations of cruise ships, cargo vessels, or passenger ferries. We provide expert marine investigation services for mechanical, electrical, or structural failures.
Inland Marine Services
Our inland marine services encompass a multitude of coverages, from hull and machinery coverage of inland watercraft to fire, damage, collision, dock, marina, physical injury, and much more.
Recreational / Pleasure Boats / PWC
Accidents involving small and privately-owned crafts are fundamentally different from accidents involving motor vehicles. Our certified experts provide the experience and attention necessary for reconstruction and investigation addressing the three-dimensional nature of marine accidents. These factors include ramping, overriding, vaulting, downward forcing, and many other characteristics unique to the maritime environment.
Our Marine Forensic Consultants
McDowell Owens consultants have extensive experience in a wide range of marine forensic matters, allowing us to provide scientific clarification and an engineering perspective that will guide your legal team through the technical details and evidence.
McDowell Owens marine forensic experts are leaders in the field, demonstrating expertise in research, teaching, and publishing. We combine real-world experiences, advanced degrees, and certifications in several sub-disciplines. We stay ahead of changes by actively contributing to industry groups, conducting research and testing, teaching aspiring engineers and scientists, and presenting to peer groups.
Litigation Support and Marine Forensics Expert Witnesses
Since our founding in 1986, McDowell Owens experts have been involved in over 20,000 cases. We have extensive experience in every stage of the litigation process, from collecting and presenting evidence to expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, and post-litigation actions.
We provide dependable, unbiased litigation support that is comprehensive, yet accessible to non-experts. McDowell Owens teams combine investigative skills, scientific data, and courtroom experience for a thorough and understandable report.
When you work with us:
- We will match you with an engineer with the expertise to inform your case.
- We rapidly respond to your litigation needs, including 24/7 support.
- You are assured of working with a team of licensed experts with extensive credentials.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Forensic Engineering Analysis
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